Marina looked around the room. A large Welcome Home banner hung above the windows. What is this? she asked with sincere surprise.

Well, Cecilia said taking Marinas hand in hers. This is my home and yours too. That is, if you want it. Cecilia looked into Marinas eyes with hope. Marina couldnt believe what she was hearing.

What? By this time, all of her friends were coming up to Marina and congratulating her for finally being out of the hospital.

Do you like it? Dana asked turning to look at the living area.

Its beautiful, but

We helped pick everything well almost everything out. Please tell us you like it, Alice said wrapping her arm around Danas waste and looking at the stunned woman. Marina stood silent and let everything sink in for a moment. She released Cecilias hand and walked down the two foyer steps and through the living room; letting her hand lightly brush over the fabric of a chair back. She turned every direction and finally came to rest facing the group near the front door. You could see the tears welling up in her eyes as she brought her hand to her mouth.

I love it, Marina said softly through her hand. She let her hand fall to her side and repeated her words. I love it! Marina quickly made her way back to Cecilia. And I love you! she said before placing a lingering kiss on Cecilias lips. A collective sigh could be heard as everyone realized that part one of the surprise was a success.

OK come on, Shane pulled Marina away from Cecilia and led her to the dining area. Marina was still looking at everything in her new home when Shane instructed her to sit in a chair that was immediately in front of a stack of papers. Melissa, knowing that this was her biggest part in the surprise, walked up to Marinas side as everyone else stood around the table. There wasnt one face that didnt have a huge grin on it. Marina looked down at the pile of paperwork and saw a long flat box sitting on top.

Go ahead open it, Bette said slipping her arm around Tinas waste. Marina looked at everyone questioningly as she picked up the small package and slipped the lid off. Unwrapping the tissue paper from the object, she found a gold door placard that read: Marina Ferrer: Owner. She looked around the table again in stunned silence.